Many TV Shows are Now Moving to Online Platforms: Sumit Khetan

MUMBAI: Sumit Khetan, renowned artistic director and choreographer, says TV has gone through a lot of changes over the years, and it became more prominent, especially after the OTT boom.

He said, “There have been a lot of changes in the television industry, especially with the advent of digital platforms. A major shift is that many TV shows are now moving to online platforms, or OTT. While people still watch traditional TV, a growing number are preferring to consume content online.”

“Another significant change is in the format of shows. People are no longer as interested in long, drawn-out shows. This has led to daily soaps having shorter episodes, often just a few minutes long, to maintain audience engagement. There are now very few shows that run for five or six years like they used to,” he added.

Sumit hasn’t received any formal training in acting, as he believes whatever he can naturally bring to the table is the best representation of his abilities. “I’ve always felt that my natural instincts and expressions are what make my performances authentic, and that’s what I aim to portray,” he added.

He has been a part of several television projects like Sagar Pictures’ Jai Shree Krishna, Swastik Pictures’ Mata Ki Chowki, Shobha Somnath Ki, and Axe Your Ex on Channel V. Each of these projects was significant in its own way; however, he wasn’t completely satisfied with his progress in the acting field.

“I didn’t see myself establishing a solid footing as an actor because I wanted to do something much bigger and different. That’s when I shifted my focus towards choreography. I started my journey as a dancer, then became a choreographer while simultaneously pursuing acting, but I continued with choreography to make it big. Choreography has given me the establishment, recognition, and personal satisfaction I had been seeking, which is why I have chosen to continue in that field,” he said.

But what about OTT? “If a role comes along that genuinely excites me and I feel I can bring something unique to it, I would certainly consider taking it up. However, at this point in time, I am not actively looking for anything in the acting space. I am really content and happy with what I am doing currently in my career,” he said.

Sumit has also made a name for himself in art direction and choreography, especially in the wedding industry. Asked how he manages to multitask, he said, “I am truly passionate about what I do, and that passion fuels my work. When you love your job and derive joy from it, multitasking doesn’t feel like a burden; it comes naturally.”

“However, when your work starts to feel like a chore, that’s when multitasking becomes difficult. For me, since I enjoy every aspect of my work, be it choreography or directing, balancing multiple tasks is something I do with ease and enthusiasm,” he concluded.